Le Bon Georges

"This maximalist bistro delivers big flavors, ambiance, and prices (shareable slabs of dry-aged beef cost the same as a month’s grocery bill)—and it’s open seven days a week. Massive chalkboard menus and vintage tin signs advertising Pernod and Picon compete for space on the walls of the three dining rooms, and tables are crammed in to take advantage of every inch of floor space. It’s the Disney ideal of the bistro, so it’s packed with tourists who put up with occasionally aloof service to page through a wine list weighing more than a child. This place is best with a group. Share the dry-aged entrecôte flavor bomb and a few elevated à la carte starters, like a lentil salad classed up with smoky bacon and endive shavings. For dessert, split the chocolate mousse—and hope one of your friends is picking up the check." - emily monaco

"This steak frites joint near Galeries Lafayette department store, and just below the hip part of Pigalle, ticks all the design boxes of a bygone-era bistro despite being relatively newish (it opened in 2013). There’s a menu on the mirror or chalkboard, wooden chairs, and wine bottles on display throughout. Beef is the big draw—ideally ordered saignant (rare) or à point (medium rare)—but expect other classically French dishes like asparagus in the spring and truffle-topped fish in the fall. Wine and cheese are also a focus, so save room for a nutty beaufort or a stanky bleu d’Auvergne for the in-between fromage course. Since they're open daily for lunch and dinner, it's ideal for Sunday or Monday visits when other restaurants may be closed." - sara lieberman, lindsey tramuta

"This maximalist bistro delivers big flavors, big ambiance, and big prices (shareable slabs of dry-aged beef cost the same as a month’s groceries). The walls of the three dining rooms are crammed with massive chalkboard menus and vintage tin signs advertising Pernod and Picon. It’s the Disney ideal of the bistro, so no surprise that tables are loaded seven nights a week with tourists who put up with occasionally aloof service and page through a wine list weighing more than a child. This place is best with a group, so you can share the dry-aged entrecôte flavor bomb (avoid the unseasoned €28 tartare), and order the elevated à la carte dishes, like a lentil salad classed up with smoky bacon and endive shavings. Split the chocolate mousse with five close friends—and hope one of them is picking up the check." - emily monaco

"A quintessential Parisian bistro, Le Bon Georges beckons diners with its chalkboard menus, extensive wine list, and unpretentious approach to classic French comfort food (read: steak frites). Despite opening In 2013, the restaurant has a lived-in, classic feel. This is the place to come for a long (and hearty) lunch starring seasonal ingredients from the top local producers, whether you nab a well-worn wooden table inside or a sidewalk spot under the blue awning for people-watching in the 9th arrondissement. Come for a leisurely lunch (even better if it’s a rainy day) so that you can savor the experience, from bread and butter to dessert. Tucked away and casual, it’s the perfect place to bring a friend for a tête-à-tête over wine, cheese, and charcuterie—or a more elaborate multi-course affair." - Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Julia Eskins

"A classic, cool French bistro. Everyday, the chef offers a menu of iconic French dishes with a brilliant touch of modernity. All of this accompanied by an authentic bistro atmosphere." - 4uatre